Storm Proofing: Will AI Change the Way Soldiers Think?

Artificial intelligence is reshaping warfare, and in this episode, we explore its profound implications with Michael Nyberg, a professor at the US Army War College, and Tom Crosby, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College. Tom’s sociological view questions if AI could lead to a “post-human” war, eroding human limits and strengths, while Michael, a historian, sees AI distilling vast archives into actionable insights for leaders. Their insights, shaped by teaching future commanders, spark reflection on AI’s dual nature—amplifying or destabilising conflict.

What You’ll Learn

• AI’s Risks: How non-human actors could redefine war’s escalation.
• Historical Insight: Using AI to query past conflicts for today’s strategies.
• Cultural Dynamics: Balancing warrior ethos with modern values in AI’s shadow.
• Officer Training: Preparing leaders for AI’s opportunities and limits.

Both speakers contributed chapters on this topic to CHACR's latest book: Storm Proofing: Preparing Armies for Future War.

Key Moments

06:08 - Historical Insights via AI

10:10 - AI-Driven Targeting in Conflict

15:28 - Military Culture and AI Integration

19:34 - Engaging Future Military Leaders

24:54 - Crafting Effective AI Queries

27:27 - AI as a Thinking Tool

30:17 - Navigating Rapid Technological Shifts

34:35 - AI’s Opportunities and Limits

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.